We flew from Tbilisi (Georgia) to Munich, Munich to Newark, NJ, and finally to San Jose, CR. A 40 hr. voyage with time in Newark to have a great visit with my sisters, Julie & Gina who come just to see us for a few hours. I’m not sure how we were awake and still functioning. We arrived in CR late at night so went quietly to bed. The fun began about 7:15 the next morning when Kylan knocked on the door and greeted us with big hugs. What a tremendous feeling! Auden was awake already but he didn’t know us so we warmed up to each other gradually.
Family time was our intention and we had lots of it. Everyday we walked Kylan to school and went to get him at lunch time. That gave us mornings to spend letting Auden get to know us. We read lots of books, played with baskets of toys, watch him zoom on his little bike and explore his neighborhood. It didn’t take long to connect. When A. went down for a nap we had lots of time with K. Both boys are adept at the Ipad and loved sitting with Grandpa to find new games, practice the alphabet or listen to Thomas the Train stories. We took walks, went to the park, took K. to swimming and gymnastics, and did lots of bike riding. We spent one day at the beach playing in the surf (which was very warm) and digging in the sand. Both the boys are going to be great swimmers!
Enjoying some of the foods we missed so mcuh was such a treat….Steve’s great pancakes, sandwiches, pastas, even cereal was delicious with bananas and strawberries. We had a personal tour of the Peace Corps office in San Jose. And the new supermarket at AutoMercado was beyond temptation and full of delicious things to eat. We also were able to visit PriceSmart ( a big box membership store) where we purchased new sheets for our bed and some huge bags of dried fruit. We had a fun day at the BioPark where we explored some animal habitats that support environmental concerns and finished with lots of energy in the playground.
Stephen and Dana took a leisurely night away from home with us there which they enjoyed. As our time was winding down, Stephen had to leave on a business trip to the Maldives for “17 sleeps” as K. would say. We had such a good visit but, at last, it was time to return to our work in Georgia. We left on Sunday, January 20, early in the am before little boys were awake. That makes leaving just a smidge easier on Grandma. We landed back in Batumi, as planned, on January 21st …..tired souls but feeling so very blessed for this special Winter vacation.
Here are some pictures of our days in Costa Rica.
Relaxing in Auden’s room with family photos.
Driving a big rig.
Kylan and Auden in their fort on the beach.
A quite beach on the Pacific side of Costa Rica.
Auden in his new Georgian shirt.
iPad time with Grandpa.
Story time with Grandma.
Look what Santa brought! Family enjoys watching Kylan experiment.
Time for Yoga?
Am I photogenic or what?
What would you like to hear?
“I love Grandma and Grandpa so I love Georgia.”
Look at my spinning wheel.
Where is Alice?
Kylan getting ready to dive.
Grandma and boys playing on the iPad.
Brothers.
Resting during our day at Parque Deversiones.
Just in case it rains.
Where is everybody?
What wonderful pictures, and what lovely grandchildren. The grandparents look great too! What a fast and furious year you are having! Am afraid life “in the states” might be a bit quiet when this adventure is over. Enjoy your posts so much. Enjoy, Love, Marilyn
Oh, thanks so much, Tom & Suz, for sharing your Costa Rican adventures!! What a joy to get to be a part of these boys’ lives. And what a great place to do it in. We gave Kindle Fires to all of our gkids this Christmas. It is a great way for the Brazilians to read books in English and just a ton of fun for them with games. They shared games and stories and they haven’t even started with the internet. The world opens up, doesn’t it?
I hope you are recovering well and getting back into your life in Georga. Love, Sarah
What a wonderful trip! Must have been worth all the travel to do it. The boys eyes look like Grandmas and Grandpas. The pictures are wonderful ad the boys look so comfortable with you. Auden warmed up. Hopefully he will remember. Maybe looking at pics will keep you n his memory.
I pray life is getting better in Georgia with the appendix out and you in recovery. Take whatever time they give you. You will be surprised how long it takes to revocer from major abdominal surgery.
Blessings, Betty
Thanks, Betty, for the comments and thoughts. Suzanne
Wow- I cannot believe how big both boys are! How fantastic that you had that time together, and fresh fruit too! What’s not to like? I hope all went well today with the stitches removal, and that your time in the Holiday Inn was nice (and warm!), Cass
Oh What a wonderful vacation with family. Both of you are looking great and such beautiful grandchildren. We miss you both very much and will keep you in our prayers during this upcoming holy season. Be cheerful and stay well.
God Bless you and your mission,
Dan & Patty